She was born March 21,1951, in Canton, Ohio, to Frederick Luther Kaufman and the late Maxine (Downin) Kaufman in Canton. She was the third of four children. She graduated from Salem Bible Academy in Salem and was a member of the Salem Alleghany Wesleyan Methodist Church.

She married the love of her life, Gary Howard Troup, in 1969. Together they created five incredible children who were truly the joy and passion of her life. Her children were born to a mother who cherished them and their unique differences, a mother who was constant in her love, guidance and example. All of her children secretly know that they are without a doubt their mother's favorite. Her grandchildren also felt her never-ending love and she spent every moment she could with them.

Kathie chose to follow her husband to his calling as a pastor and minister to churches in Little Hope, Pa.; Falconer, N. Y.; Struthers, Ohio; and Keyser, W. Va. In her role as a pastor's wife, she dedicated her life to touching the lives of young people. She used her special way of connecting with children as a teacher in children's services, vacation bible schools and camp meetings. Every child who ever heard her tell a Bible story knew they were loved by the smiling lady who held captive their imagination.

When Kathie's eternal love and companion in life died suddenly in 1996, Kathie chose optimism and faith. She led her family with her example of turning to Christ and finding strength in His Everlasting Arms.

Of all of her accomplishments, Kathie's greatest achievements have been in the lives of her family and friends. Her creative mind, kind heart and brilliant smile allowed her to make everything from her Children's Church lessons to a simple story told to her grandchildren sparkle. Her generous heart filled her home with love, fun, family and friends, including an attitude that there was always room for one more. Her home was always open and everyone felt welcomed and known by her. She was a mother to all. She leaves all her children, grandchildren, family and friends with the knowledge that they were truly loved and they know that she loved her Lord.

Kathie was loved dearly by her family and friends. She was the glue that held her family together and her loss leaves a vacancy that can never be filled. She was loving, generous, kind and thoughtful. She would have gladly given her life for her children and her grandchildren, and they are heartbroken to have seen it taken from her. Kathie was a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife, a grandmother, an aunt, a cousin and a friend. This beautiful woman will be remembered and missed be everyone who knew her.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually.

While we regretfully say goodbye, we choose now to honor her legacy by being happy, ever-serving and faithful, and always brave.

All of us and our Mother welcome her friends and all those who love her to her memorial services. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Church with the Rev. Mike Marshall officiating. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Stark Memorial Funeral Home and one hour before the services Wednesday at the church. Kathie will be laid to rest beside her husband at Grandview Cemetery.